New Arsenal signing Santi Cazorla says the advice of former Gunners Cesc Fabregas and Robert Pires helped him decide to move to the London club.

The 27-year-old Spain midfielder signed a “long-term deal” for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday, after helping Malaga qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

“I have spoken to Robert Pires because he played with me at Villarreal,” Cazorla told the Arsenal website.

“He knew about the rumours of me coming here and always encouraged me to sign. He told me it was a very good club and I was going to enjoy London, the city and the move.”

“The same with Cesc Fabregas,” Cazorla added.

“He said this was a big club and that I was going to be very happy here, he said I would adapt easily. And I can feel that.”

A versatile attacking midfielder, Cazorla said he expects to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.

“It is clear that there are players like Silva, Mata, Torres and Reina who have been here a long time, so I also talked to them,” he said.

“They have told me that it is great to play in the Premier League, they told me how the games are in England.”

“They say it is different to Spain and that is true,” he added.

“You see Spanish players doing well here and that inspires you to come over as well. They have set an example and I hope I will adapt to the league as well as they have.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he is confident Cazorla will be a good addition to his squad.

“Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He is a player with good experience at both club and international level, who will add significant quality to our squad,” he said.

“He is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally,” he noted.

“He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset.”